The Executive Director is the leadership position of the Visual Arts Center, a major nonprofit arts organization in Richmond, Virginia, which has significant regional and national visibility. They will be a strong and inspirational leader to the diverse stakeholders of VisArts, helping to set a clear direction for the organization and continue the decades-long success of the center as they celebrate their 60th anniversary year. The Executive Director will implement and enhance the organization’s strategic goals, support and sustain fundraising initiatives and programming, oversee programmatic decisions and development, and lead the staff for the successful day-to-day operation of the Center. They will be a positive role model for the organization, valuing diversity and collaboration and fostering an organization that is inclusive and equitable.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as a creative force and advocate for the organization within the local arts community and beyond. This position devotes significant time in the community creating and growing VisArts’ image with a variety of constituents. These may include community leaders, donors, artists, and other directors of artistic and cultural organizations. The Executive Director will be expected to build solid relationships with staff, board, donors, artists and community leaders.

• The successful candidate will be passionate about the mission of the Visual Art Center and possess the following qualifications:
• Background within the visual arts or previous experience working within the art sector.
• A successful track record of leadership in an arts related organization and a strong understanding of educational programming and/or significant senior management experience with an educational institution or community nonprofit.
• Excellent communication skills and strong public speaking ability.
• Passion and ability for developing and maintaining long-term relationships that will enhance the artistic, educational, and financial goals of the organization.
• A solid track record of seeing projects through to successful completion.
• Proven experience and success in fundraising.
• Understanding of fiscal management, particularly with nonprofit finance.
• Skilled at using leadership and delegation, combined with a personal and inclusive management style, to build VisArts’ base of volunteer support, optimize staff resources and faculty relationships.
• A willingness to live in the Richmond area and to participate actively in local arts events and VisArts robust schedule of activities and events during weekdays, evenings and weekends.
• An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree (MA, MBA, MFA etc.) is desirable. Experience may be considered in lieu of degree.